When a prospect has that x-factor you can tell it immediately. Chaminade (MO) 2016 star freshman Jayson Tatum has it. He is a smooth perimeter player that can play the one through the three. The freshman handles the ball great and gets in the lane with ease. He shoots it from the perimeter with a free flowing shot and quick release. At 6’7” the young prospect has great size and can see over the defense making passes and setting everyone up.

At the NY2LA Sports Swish N Dish Tatum clearly put himself in the conversation for the top 2016 prospect in the nation. He led his St. Louis Eagles 16U team to a championship. He is one of the most coveted young prospects in the country with offers from Florida , Memphis , Missouri , Marquette , and Kansas . Recently he says he also added one from Illinois .

“They talked to my dad who is a high school coach. He relayed the message to me. It is good to hear college coaches are interested in me.”

What does he like about their program?

“Their style of play. They are not too structured. You can play your game. I really like how Brandon Paul got to do what he wanted too.”

Illinois has a connection to the young star with assistant coach Jamall Walker spending time in St. Louis .

“Coach Walker went to SLU and so did my dad so they have known each other for a long time.”

Tatum saw the Illini play along with freshman teammate Will Gladson in St. Louis against Missouri in the Braggin Rights Game back in December. Other schools showing interest include North Carolina and Indiana . Tatum discussed how the first weekend went where he led them to the title recording 15 points in the championship game.

“We are getting our feet wet. Playing up a grade it is much more physical and faster. I am hanging in there.”